To Hope, B.C.

Larry in Ellensburg, WA
Waiting to cross into Canada
Trikes covered and park for the night in Hope
View from the Quality Inn in Hope, B.C.
View from the Quality Inn in Hope, B.C.


A beautiful morning in Ellensburg, WA - 54 degrees witha 19 mph wind. At least it was sunny.

We all bundled up better than yesterday. We had intended to continue riding on Hwy 97 and then west to Hope, but given the mediocre weather we decided to ride I-90 toward Seattle and get off at exit 22. By the time we were nearing Seattle the clouds gathered and the temperature dropped, but no rain. By taking the route we did we were able to see the beauty of northern Washington state without lots of traffic.

We stopped at the Blue Mountain Grill for lunch because their billboard said "where hungry people stop" - and they were correct.

We crossed into Canada at Sumas, Washington. As you enter Canada there is a COSTCO! The Canadian border guard had no sense of humor - just ask Michael!

There aren't many pictures because we rode steadily all day to arrive in Hope before the weather decided to dump rain on us. Also, not much to see when it is cloudy all day. About the time we asked for a stop to photograph Mt. Ranier the clouds moved in.

This evening we are enjoying the hospitality of the Quality Inn - hot tub, pool, sauna, COMFY beds and kitchette for $85 total - and only 3 blocks away from a restaurant where we can walk and have a beer!

Day 2 - To Ellensburg, WA

Jo in Klamath Falls
Suzanne fueling up in Washington
Michael loading up to leave Klamath Falls
Clark and Kathy pluggin in!
View of the mountains.





We left Klamath Falls at 8 a.m. to sunny skies and COLD temps. Everyone bundled up...even Larry.

We rode Hwy 97 north. We started to go to Crater Lake but the north entrance was closed due to weather. We opted not to go in becaue it would have added another 100 miles to our day.

As we neared the Columbia River the wind turned into an absolute monster. Choose a state with awful wind conditions and put them all into one 200 mile stretch of road and that is what we experienced.

As we got further into Washington the wind abated - until we neared Ellensburg.

We started that day at 42 degrees, it got up to 74 degrees and dropped back down to the mid-50s be day's end.

A miserable day because of the wind, but otherwise a safe ride in some very lovely country. Approximately 440 miles.

To Klamath Falls, OR

Meeting up in Williams, CA - Larry, Michael, Steve and Jo
Clark, Kathy, Jo and Larry in Williams, CA
Lunch stop in Lassen National Park
Lunch stop in Lassen National Park

We met up with our 5 companions in Williams. Lovely day for a ride.

Rather than ride north on I-5 we opted for Highway 99 and then east to Lassen National Park.

Roads were in great condition, clean and dry.

We were all dressed for moderate temperatures. By the time we got to the top of Lassen we were all putting on more clothing. And again when we got farther north.

On arriving in Klamath Falls (without EVER getting on the super slab) the temp. was 50 degrees and windy. Brrrrr.

Jo was looking a little peaked by dinner, but holding up very well for being so sick.

Larry ate something that disagreed with him....fortunately we have an arsenal of meds for just about any event!

Photos uploaded today!

Getting Ready

Larry & Suzanne
Jo and Steve
Michael
Clark and Kathy

Our reservations are made and our route has been chosen.
1st Photo: Larry & Suzanne of Kelseyville, CA; 2nd Photo: Jo & Steve of Wilton, CA; 3rd Photo Michael of New Mexico; 4th Photo Kathy and Clark of New Mexico.

All riders going to Alaska have ridden together on the Torches Across America ride. Kathy, Clark, Larry and Suzanne: TAA 2006 and 2007 ride. Jo & Steve: 2006 and Michael: 2007. I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that we welcome the cooler temps of this ride compared to the ride across the desert of California in September.

On June 6th we will all meet in Williams, CA for a short (for us) ride to Klamath Falls, OR.

Our reservations are in the following towns on the way to Hyder:
Klamath Falls, OR
Ellensburg, WA
Hope, B.C.
Prince George, B.C. (or the Norton Ranch outside P.G.)
Hazleton, B.C.
Hyder, AK (or Stewart, not sure which town the Sealaska Hotel is located in.

The weather forecast is cloudy with rain for most of the ride but we are all experienced riders with lots of gear for any type of weather.